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Thursday, May 19, 2011

Chrysoprase: Another May Birthstone

Chrysoprase is an alternate birthstone to emerald, for the month of May. This beautiful green gemstone is one variety of chalcedony and varies from a deep green to an apple or lighter green, often called lemon chrysoprase

Many green stones get their color from chromium or vanadium. The lovely green color of this stone comes from a trace amount of nickel. It resembles jade and is the rarest stone among the chalcedony group; and perhaps the most expensive.

Chrysoprase can be found in many part of the world, including Brazil, Australia, the Ural Mountains, and right here in the US. The name “chrysoprase” comes from the Greek words cgrysis (golden) and prase (leek).

There is much gemstone lore surrounding this Chrysoprase. It is considered a lucky stone and thought to attract money. Chrysoprase is also thought to encourage love, tolerance, and friendship.

Frederick the Great of Prussia had many pieces of furniture and art made in whole of pieces of chrysoprase. This stone can still be seen in many buildings in Prague, including the Chapel of St. Wenceslas.

Jewelry designers including Peter Carl Faberge have used this gemstone in their designs. For a period, it became rare and expensive until more resources were found. Today, good uniform colored Chrysoprase is no longer hard to find.